Local News

State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham)State Sen. Iris Estabrook (D-Durham) has decided not to run for a fourth term.

"I no longer feel I can commit the level of time and energy I believe is necessary to fill this leadership role," Estabrook said in a press release.  "It has been an honor to have served in the New Hampshire Legislature and an experience that will stay with me throughout my life."

Perth Amboy Mayor Joe Vas lost re-election tonightJoseph Vas, the Mayor of Perth Amboy since 1990, was defeated in his bid for a sixth term tonight, losing by wide margin to Wilda Diaz, a political newcomer and community activist. Diaz defeated Vas by a 61%-39% margin, 4,095-2,658. Diaz’s slate of Council candidates also won.

A poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire shows residents are largely unaware of the current budget problems facing the state.

According to the Granite State Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, 17% said they have heard a lot about the state budget, 59% say they have heard a little and 23% said they have heard nothing at all.

Two Tacoma-area Democrats are officially beginning their re-election campaigns to the state House early this week according to the TNT's Political Buzz.

The 28th District business owner and Army Reservist, Rep. Troy Kelley, will launch his campaign on Tuesday. Down the road in the 29th LD, Rep. Steve Conway will begin his effort the following day. Conway has represented the 29th since 1993.

This morning, Wicomico County State's Attorney Davis Ruark was sentenced to one year's probation for his February drunk driving arrest, The Daily Times reports.

Ruark was arrested in Ocean City on Feb. 22 for driving under the influence and possession of a loaded handgun, a charge which was dropped.

After a leave of absence and alcohol treatment, Ruark returned to work part-time in late March.

Andrea Fletcher Harrison (D-Springdale) cruised to victory in Tuesday's special election to fill the District 5 vacancy on the Prince George's County Council. With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Harrison received more than 87 percent of the vote over Republican Steven Johnson, a businessman from Cheverly. The victory was expected in the heavily Democratic district.

Harrison has served the past five years as the deputy chief of staff for the District 5 council office, where she worked as the policy director for Councilman David Harrington (D-Cheverly). Harrington replaced the deceased Sen. Gwendolyn Britt in the General Assembly, leading to the council opening.

State Sen. Bob Odell (R-Lempster) has decided to run State Sen. Bob Odellfor another term in November.

"I am going to run for re-election," Odell said.

STRATHAM- The tri-town Republican committees of Exeter, Stratham and North Hampton hosted a fundraiser featuring homemade meatballs.

Former Congressman Jeb Bradley, former Health and Human Services Secretary John Stephen, Executive Council candidate Russell Prescott and former party Chairman Wayne Semprini were among 18 contestants whose meatball recipes were judged by three local restaurant owners. Famed local chef Mary Ann Esposito decided the winner.

With Maryland voters set to decide on a contentious slots referendum this fall, the state Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that it was coming out in favor of the ballot measure.

"There is no realistic alternative to replace the revenue slots will generate for the state," Kathleen Snyder, the state Chamber's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Recapturing money spent on slots in other states will help provide needed education funding increases and prevent future tax increases."

In November, voters will decide if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slot machines at racetracks and other locations throughout the state.

The environmentally conscious Los Angeles League of Conversation Voters is gearing up for its annual fundraiser on May 18th and the event is becoming a fruitful “green” stop on the local primary circuit.